High School Completion Lasts a Lifetime

Pathways to completion

There are lots of ways to get high school credits. What you need and how you do it depends on what you want to do.

For most jobs in Alberta, you need a minimum of a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma. To be accepted into many post-secondary programs, you need specific high school or high school equivalent courses.

High School Diploma

A student must earn 100 credits in order to graduate from high school in Alberta. Parents and students should discuss high school requirements with a school counselor. The Diploma Credit Checklist is an easy way to determine how many credits a student has and how many they still need for a High School Diploma.

GED - High School Equivalency Diploma

If you are no longer in high school and require a high school equivalency diploma for employment or education, there are two ways to do this:

  1. Gather credits through a combination of High School credits, credits for maturity and life experiences, and credits for adult education. The student needs 100 school credits to graduate with an accumulated credit High School Equivalency Diploma. A minimum of 60 credits must be gained through classroom instruction in a school or other institution accredited by or acceptable to Alberta Education (for out-of-province students), offering approved senior high school courses. The Accumulated Credit Checklist is an easy way to determine how many credits a student has and how many they still need for a High School Equivelency Diploma.
  2. Write the General Educational Development (GED) exam. You do not have to complete high school courses to write the GED exam. However, Alberta colleges, universities and technical institutes might not accept the GED on its own for entrance to post-secondary studies. If you are thinking of completing the GED as a way of entering a post-secondary institution, confirm first if the GED is accepted. 

Note to high school adminstrators: The High School Equivanlency Form can be found on the Extranet under Forms, Tools and Software.

 



Upgrading

Do you just need a few more courses or a higher mark in something you're already taken? Did you study in another country with different requirements? Upgrading might be right for you!

There are four ways you can upgrade:

  1. Upgrading through a Post-Secondary Institution Most colleges and technical institutes in Alberta provide high school equivalent courses that can be used to enter post-secondary programs but do not lead to a high school diploma. If you also require a high school diploma, some of these colleges are also accredited high schools offering limited courses that follow the Alberta Education curriculum.
  2. Upgrading through a School Board Some school boards offer high school courses to adult students to fulfill high school diploma requirements. To find out what is available in your area, contact your local school board. Students under the age of 20 may not be required to pay tuition fees for courses delivered through their local school board.
  3. Upgrading through Distance Learning  Distance education is a flexible method of teaching and learning. You complete course work by communicating with teachers through an exchange of print and/or electronic materials. And, you often can choose a convenient location and time of study for each school term.

  4. Online courses are offered through a number of school authorities in the province.

Mature Student

A mature student, for Alberta High School Diploma purposes, is one who, as of September 1 of the current school year, is: 

  • 19 years of age or older; OR
  • has an Alberta high school diploma; or an equivalent (i.e. GED see above). 

A mature student may earn senior high school credits after successfully completing: 

  • courses offered in a regular accredited school or through extension programs
  • courses offered by the Alberta Distance Learning Centre
  • a diploma examination conducted by Alberta Education with or without formal course instruction.

A mature student is eligible to enroll in any course at the senior high school level or to write a diploma examination without completing the prerequisite courses. Many school authorities offer programs for mature students in both credit and non-credit areas. Interested mature students should consult their local school jurisdiction for details. 

Provincial Links

Green Certificate

This program offers credit for Alberta senior high students 16 years of age or older. There are nine specializations, such as Dairy Production, Field Crop Production and Equine Technician. Each specialization can be studied at three levels. 

Knowledge and Employability

These five credit courses offer occupational training in 12 career strands, in the areas of Art/Design and Communication, Auto Mechanics, Business Services, Construction: Building, Construction: Metal Fabrication, Cosmetology, Fabrics, Foods, Horticulture, Human Care, Natural Resources and Workplace Readiness. Courses may be combined to allow for further instruction or off-campus education learning experiences. Marks and credits must be reported separately for each course that has been combined. 

Off Campus Education

Off-campus education offers a chance to gain practical workplace experience through school community partnerships. Talk to your local school jurisdiction for local opportunities.

Work Study

Work study uses a school-community partnership to let junior and senior high school students use what they have learned through course work in real-life situations. For programs, contact your local school or school jurisdiction. 

Special Projects

Special project credits are designed for individual or a small groups outside the regular curriculum or programs offered in a school. Special projects are coordinated by a school principal, based on the school jurisdiction policies. Special projects credits may be applied toward the Alberta High School Diploma or the Certificate of High School Achievement. For more information, contact your local school or school jurisdiction.

International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP)

Schools can offer programming for students beyond the 10-20-30 course sequences through International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These programs do not replace the requirements for an Alberta high school diploma but can be used to enrich your high school experience. Contact your local school for course offerings and requirements.

School Choice

When it comes to selecting a school, parents and students can choose from a wide range of options. They can select from public schools, Catholic schools, Francophone schools, private schools, and charter schools. They can also access a number of unique and innovative programs - including home education, online/virtual schools, outreach programs and alternative programs.

 

School Jurisdiction Online Programs 

Online courses are offered through a number of school authorities in the province.

Resources

Curriculum Handbooks for Parents

Curriculum Handbooks for Parents, Curriculum Summaries and Curriculum Express contain information for parents on subjects, programs and courses available in Alberta schools. Senior High Curriculum Handbook (need link)

Alberta Adult Learning Planner

This booklet is part of a planning series that includes Career Planner and Education and Training Planner. It is written for adults (mature students) who are planning to go back to school.

Adult Education Links

Links to a long list of information about adult education and training.